Terrorism News

Tunisians are increasingly worried about the plans of Ansar al-Sharia, especially with the approach of New Year's Eve. The terrorist organisation could even resort to using women in suicide attacks on December 31st, Tunisian daily Assarih suggested on Thursday (December 5th). Ansar al-Sharia has been linked to the killing of soldiers in Jebel Chaambi, the assassinations of opposition politicians Chorki Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi, and the attack on the US embassy in Tunisia.

For months, Tunisian security and army units have been hunting Abou Iyadh, the group's leader, but have yet to find him. The fact that he is still at large adds to the anxiety for Tunisians, who fear he may incite more violence and murder. "There is no doubt that Abou Iyadh plans to exact revenge on the Tunisian government, which arrested many of his supporters and eliminated many of his terrorist cells," said day labourer Hamid Abdelli, 37. "It's very likely that he is planning something in co-operation with other jihadist leaders in the region," he added.

Abou Iyadh is described as one of the most dangerous al-Qaeda elements in Tunisia. He has declared his allegiance to the organisation and reportedly has strong ties with the leaders of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).